5 great coastal, hill and inland loch walks in the Highlands
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WHETHER you head north, south, east or west, the Highlands provides endless inspiration when looking to explore somewhere new by foot.
Cracking walks can be found on your doorstep, or you may wish to make a full day trip of things – or even longer – and head to a place dozens of miles from home before starting your adventure.
If you're looking for a little inspiration, these five walks may offer you some cracking ideas for a wee outdoor adventure.
And if none of them tickle your fancy, keep your eyes peeled next week for even more walks from around the Highlands...
Sandwood Bay
This famous there-and-back again walk stretches for more than eight miles between a dedicated car park at Blairmore, and out towards the massive sandy stretch of Sandwood Bay in the very far north-west of Sutherland.
The walk, which is via a clear and well-trodden track, takes walkers past a number of small lochs and lochans, the largest of which is Loch na Gainimh, before finally coming into view of the bay and neighbouring expanse of Sandwood Loch, which is surprisingly fresh water rather than salt, despite only being separated from the Atlantic by the beach's beautiful sand dunes.
Keep an eagle eye out for the distant Cape Wrath lighthouse as you begin your descent – the upper parts of the tower peak over the distant headland – and look to the south as you reach the beach for views of the picturesque sea stack of Am Buachaille, which stands like a lonely sentinel keeping watch over the bay.
Click here for some other coastal walk suggestions in the Highlands and Moray.
Tarbat Ness and Portmahomack
This cracking eight-and-a-half mile coastal walk offers superb sea views and points of interest like the picturesque Tarbat Ness lighthouse and the Tarbat Discovery Centre museum.
It also passes below Ballone Castle at Rockfield, although this is a private dwelling so don't expect to get too close.
Wildlife fans should also keep their eyes peeled – as dolphins, seals and a range of seabird life are all possible sightings.
What's more there are multiple options when it comes to where you wish to start/end the walk, with car parking in Portmahomack itself and at Tarbat Ness lighthouse making for equally enticing options depending on whether you want to visit some of the Portmahomack eateries for a bite at the end of your walk or midway through.
Click here to read a full description with Active Outdoors.
Dores
Although Dores beach is a popular spot to visit in itself with the tantalising food and drink at the Dores Inn and the magnificent views down Loch Ness tempting many a traveller, but the beach and neighbouring woods are also part of a delightful walk along the shores of Loch Ness and peaceful woodland tracks.
Despite being a very popular spot with locals and visitors alike, as soon as you step away from the beach and wander the paths of Torr Wood you can feel as if you're in a world of your own as you traverse some of the easy-going tracks of the Aldourie estate.
As well as beautiful views of Loch Ness and a chance to spot wildlife in the woods, this three-and-a-half mile walk also passes Aldouire Pier, where you may be able to get some nice pictures of passing cruisers using the Caledonian Canal.
Click here to read a full description with Active Outdoors.
Loch Coulin and Loch Clair circuit
This picturesque circuit which passes Loch Clair before completing a complete circuit of neighbouring Loch Coulin amidst the dramatic Torridon landscape.
Setting off from a very small car park on the road between Kinlochewe and Torridon (make sure to get there early as parking is very limited), this six-mile walk follows good estate tracks and paths and offers great views not just of the two lochs but also of Beinn Eighe and Liathach.
At the outermost part of the walk, you'll pass a modern bridge over the River Coulin, which is where the climax of 2019 Sky One series Curfew – which starred Billy Zane, Sean Bean and Aimee-Ffion Edwards – was filmed.
Click here to read a full description with Active Outdoors.
An Leacainn
Located just a few miles south of Inverness on the hilltop road between Dochgarroch and Abriachan, this short walk follows good tracks and trails before 'bagging' a trig point with spectacular 360 degree views.
These vistas stretch from the mountains of Glen Affric in the west, to Ben Wyvis in the north and up the expanse of the Moray Firth and notable landmarks like the Chanonry Point lighthouse and Fort George.
To the south the Great Glen stretches off into the distance and, even if the waters of Loch Ness remain elusive, the mountains that flank each side can be easily followed with the eye.
Setting off from a large dirt car park at Blackfold, shortly after completing the long climb from Dochgarroch, the path crosses the Great Glen Way and heads though picturesque woodland and ultimately a small lochan reservoir on the right before turning and climbing up a heather-clad slope and through a deer fence stile/gate before reaching the trig point marker atop An Leacainn. Despite topping out at 414m, the walk's start point at around 300m means the ascent isn't at all taxing.
Click here to read a full description with Active Outdoors.
Didn't find any walks that took your fancy? Never fret, keep an eye on the website this time next week for yet more cracking walks from across the Highlands. Which ones will feature? You'll have to wait and see...
